FBI warns cybercriminals are targeting airline security systems
Airlines and their IT suppliers face new threats from Scattered Spider, which tricks help‑desk staff into authorising unauthorised MFA devices.
The FBI has warned that a notorious cybercrime group known as Scattered Spider has broadened its attacks to target the airline sector. The gang, previously linked to breaches at Caesars, MGM, Aflac, and UK retailers, employs sophisticated social‑engineering methods.
These criminals impersonate employees or contractors and persuade IT help‑desk staff to register unauthorised devices, bypassing multi‑factor authentication. FBI and cybersecurity experts stress that airlines and third‑party suppliers are at serious risk.
While their flight operations remained unaffected, recent incidents at WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines are consistent with Scattered Spider’s modus operandi. Help‑desk teams are urged to reinforce identity verification protocols to prevent such incursions.
The FBI is collaborating with aviation partners to share intelligence and assist victims. Warnings emphasise prompt reporting of suspicious requests and reviews of help‑desk procedures. In particular, staff should resist pressure to add MFA devices or reset credentials without rigorous authentication, no matter how credible or urgent the request may appear.
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